Camp David History

​Camp David was established in 2003 in Rolla, MO. Read about our amazing history that brings us to more than one campus and camps around the world.

The story of Camp David began in 2001 with a single word—"Camp"—that Founders Ben and Grace Smith felt God speak to them following a season of prayer for their next steps. With three young children and a heart for children, Ben and Grace dove into studying camp ministry, with a specific passion for serving children at risk.

​

Foundations in the Ozarks (2003–2017)

• 2003: Cliff and Susie Johnson, with Sagrada Scholarship Bible Camp, mentored Ben and Grace on how to run camps for children of prisoners. That fall, Ben and Grace took a leap of faith and officially established Camp David of the Ozarks (CDO) as a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

• July 2004: With the help of family and friends, CDO built initial facilities on a family farm in Rolla, Missouri, and hosted its first two weeks of camp for 18 children of prisoners.

• Growth: Over the next decade, the ministry flourished. CDO grew its summer program to 10 weeks serving nearly 225 campers, built permanent cabins and an office, and expanded its year-round impact with a Mentoring Program and Family Retreats. The mission statement evolved to reflect their growing passion: "to give hope to FAMILIES of prisoners."

​

Global Vision and Transition (2017–2021)
The mid-point of the decade marked a strategic pivot toward international expansion:

• 2017: Ben and Grace were invited to take Camp David to Uganda, launching their first camp there with 120 children at a boarding school in partnership with Wells of Hope.

• 2018: They hosted Ugandan leader, Marjorie, and two students at the Rolla campus to train them in directing the camp. Marjorie became the director of the Uganda campus. Grace also led a team of 10 to the Dominican Republic to launch the first Spanish camp for children of prisoners, which was a huge success.

• 2019: Camp David launched successful camps in Southeast Asia, Kenya, and Guatemala. By the end of 2019, Camp David had launched 5 international camps.

Strategic Shift: Recognizing the critical need to focus on this rapidly growing full-time global expansion, Ben and Grace trained former staffers to direct Camp David of the Ozarks in Rolla. Ben and Grace moved nearby to establish Camp David International as a training center in a 4,800 sq ft building they were intending to purchase.

​

The Transition: To their surprise, the newly trained directors chose to discontinue their partnership with Camp David International the following summer, later renaming the Rolla campus "Hope of the Ozarks." This was a difficult season for Ben and Grace and their family, but through much prayer and counsel, they sensed God directing them to release that location and embrace a new, different plan.

A New Home in Kansas (2022)

• The Provision: Ben and Grace learned of a 61-acre property for sale in Hesston, Kansas, featuring two conference centers—an ideal location to establish Camp David International alongside a YWAM base.

• While negotiations proceeded, they participated in a YWAM mission school in Chico, California.

• March 2022: Ben and Grace moved to Kansas. That summer, they successfully launched Camp David Kansas serving 52 campers, while renting the property.

• December 20, 2022: God provided all the necessary funds, enabling them to sign the paperwork to purchase the Cross Wind Camp and Conference Center 100% debt free. The American Baptist Board graciously offered a lower price because they believed in the mission of Camp David.

The Ministry Today: International Reach and Local Impact
Restarting the ministry in a new location has brought new opportunities and profound blessings.

Camp David Kansas

Camp David Kansas serves the entire state of Kansas, and some of northwestern Missouri.

• Equine Therapy: In 2024, the ministry expanded with the addition of Amy Guthrie as Horse Program Director. A metal building was remodeled into a horse barn and fields were fenced for pasture. This new facility, named Rockn'-H-Ranch, offers equine therapy year-round to serve those who are hurting and broken.

• 2025 Impact: The team served 161 children and hosted 118 dedicated volunteers.

​

Camp David International

The global vision continues to expand, seeing generational transformation in diverse cultures:

• Global Reach: Camp David International has now launched 12 camps in 6 nations and 6 states across the USA.

• 2024: The total number of children served globally was 722.

• Curriculum: The core curriculum has been translated into 4 languages.

• Most Recent Launch: In 2025, the ministry successfully launched a new camp in Liberia, Africa.

It is incredibly rewarding to serve families of prisoners and foster families around the world and witness the deep, lasting impact of generational transformation.